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 Peel Region also Celebrates First Graduates of Caregiving Essentials Course 

BRAMPTON, ON (June 23, 2025) – Peel Region is proud to announce two major milestones in its commitment to supporting family and informal caregivers of seniors: the successful graduation of the first cohort of the Caregiving Essentials course, and a $24,925 grant from the Ontario government’s 2025-26 Seniors Community Grant Program to expand the Social Prescribing for Seniors’ Caregivers initiative, pending final Transfer Payment Agreement.

The Ontario government funding will help scale up Peel Region’s social prescribing program across its five Adult Day Services (ADS) sites. This innovative project takes a preventative, person-centred approach to improving the health and wellbeing of caregivers in Peel Region, many of whom are older adults themselves. Through “social prescriptions,” caregivers are connected to community-based programs, cultural events, recreational activities, and wellness services tailored to their individual priorities and to promote social engagement, mental well-being, and resilience.

Social prescriptions may include outdoor experiences in conservation areas, art and cultural events, yoga and mindfulness sessions, and other wellness-focused activities offered in partnership with local organizations, such as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, SOHAM Yoga, Brampton Library, Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives, and the Canadian Opera Company. These activities are offered at no cost to caregivers, removing financial barriers to participation.

Caregiving course developed in partnership with McMaster University Continuing Education 

In tandem with this expansion of the social prescribing program, Peel Region also celebrated the first graduating class of the Caregiving Essentials course — an innovative, in-person training program developed in partnership with McMaster University Continuing Education to empower caregivers in their caregiving role and help those they care for age in place.

The graduation ceremony, held at the new Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor, honoured the dedication and compassion of 12 caregivers who stepped forward to better support seniors living with dementia and other complex care needs. Each graduate received a framed certificate and was formally recognized for successfully completing the five-week course, earning a McMaster Continuing Education microcredential.

The free 10-hour in-person course offered caregivers the opportunity to:

• Learn to thrive while supporting someone with dementia or complex health conditions
• Build supportive relationships and share lived experiences
• Practice self-care, compassion, and wellness strategies
• Develop practical communication techniques
• Navigate the healthcare system with confidence
• Build a personalized caregiver toolbox

Together, these initiatives align with the Seniors Services Strategic Plan’s focus on delivering person-centred, integrated care and also align with the province’s commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and enhancing caregiver resilience.

Residents should take precautions to stay safe and healthy during hot weather

BRAMPTON, Ont. – June 20, 2025. The first heat warning of the season for Peel region is forecast for June 22, 2025. Peel Public Health wants to remind residents how to stay safe during the warm weather months and avoid heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Peel’s Medical Officer of Health issues heat warnings following notification from Environment and Climate Change Canada that the following thresholds have been reached:

• Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31 C or higher and overnight temperatures are 20 C or higher

OR

• Humidex values are expected to reach 40 C or higher.

If a heat warning lasts 3 or more days, an extended heat warning will be issued.

During high-temperature conditions, residents should take measures to stay cool, hydrated, and pay attention to how they and those around them are feeling.  Check in on family and neighbours who may be at higher risk

Be aware of the following signs and symptoms of heat illness:

• High body temperature
• Skin rash
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Extreme thirst
• Dark urine and decreased urination
• Confusion and lack of coordination

If residents experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, they should immediately move to a cooler place and drink water.

The following are signs and symptoms of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

• High body temperature
• Lack of coordination and confusion
• Dizziness or fainting
• No sweating, but very red, hot skin

Those at higher risk of experiencing heat-related illness include older adults, infants and young children, individuals with chronic illness and people who work outdoors.

Keeping cool in extreme heat

There are places across the region where residents can go to keep cool. See your local municipality’s website for information on how to respond to heat, including locations of cooling centres, splash pads, pools, libraries and community centres.

Brampton

Mississauga

Caledon

Peel Region’s website has information on the status of public beaches in Peel.

Stay cool when it’s hot outside with these tips:

• Drink water regularly, even before you’re thirsty
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors
• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Plan any outdoor activities according to the weather conditions
• Take a cool shower or apply a cool, wet towel to the back of your neck

Resources:

Drop-in and homeless support programs – peelregion.ca.

https://peelregion.ca/health/protecting-your-health/hot-weather-heat-warnings

https://weather.gc.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-health/uv-index-sun-safety.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-general-tools-resources/weathercan.html

During these hot periods, Peel Region’s Medical Officer of Health issues heat warnings and extended heat warnings upon notification from Environment & Climate Change Canada that heat thresholds have been met.

As defined by Ontario’s Ministry of Health, heat warnings are issued when there are two or more consecutive days of:

1. Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31°C or warmer and overnight temperatures are 20°C or warmer.
2. Humidex values that are expected to reach 40°C or higher.

Extended heat warnings are issued when heat warnings last for three or more days.

Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s data, Peel Region’s Medical Officer of Health is forecasting the first heat warning of the season for Mississauga, with conditions starting Sunday June 22, 2025. The warning will be in effect until further notice.

When extremely hot temperatures are forecasted, the City offers residents places to stay cool in Mississauga. These include visiting one of our swimming pools, air-conditioned libraries and community centres, and spray pads.

The following is also completed during heat warnings:

1. The stay cool page is updated on the Recreation microsite.
2. Social media is issued on City channels (and additional messaging follows throughout the duration of the heat warning, as needed).
3. Residents can visit the City’s Extreme Heat page to learn more.

Business areas with outdoor workers adjust their operations accordingly to ensure they are meeting health and safety requirements.

We will not be issuing additional updates in advance of each heat warning. A hot weather media story has been posted on the City’s website which residents can be directed to throughout the heat season. All of the above identified actions will remain applicable for further heat warning events.

BRAMPTON, ON, 16 June, 2025 – Peel Region has been recognized with a Bronze Award in the Surprise Us category at the 2025 Municipal Waste Association Promotion and Education Awards for its innovative and inclusive Waste Education School Lunchbox Initiative.

Launched in early 2024, this program was designed to promote waste reduction and sustainability by distributing over 2,800 reusable lunch containers to students and staff across seven high-priority schools in Peel. Schools were selected using the Socioeconomic Vulnerability Index (SVI) to ensure the initiative reached those most in need.

Through strong partnerships with the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the program reached over 2,500 students and 200 staff. It provided education on sustainable lunch practices, proper waste sorting, and the environmental benefits of reuse. Participating schools reported an increase in the use of reusable containers following the initiative, signaling a successful shift in behaviour.

The award highlights Peel Region’s commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and education, recognizing the Region’s efforts to lead by example in building greener, more informed communities.

For more information about Peel’s waste programs and resources, visit peelregion.ca/waste.